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Crisp Shortbread Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 135 reviews

These Crisp Shortbread Bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a spiced Granny Smith apple layer and a crunchy oat crumble topping. Baked to golden perfection, they combine tender, tart apples with sweet, crisp textures for a delightful dessert or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Layer

  • 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Crumble Topping

  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Make the Shortbread Base: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until combined. Press the shortbread dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Layer the apple mixture over the pre-baked shortbread crust.
  4. Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple layer.
  5. Bake: Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  6. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the crumble.
  • Make sure the butter for the shortbread is softened for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and set layers.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: shortbread bars, apple bars, crumble topping, easy dessert, baked apple bars, fall dessert

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/crisp-shortbread-bars-recipe/